Halperin v. Pitts
241 Or. App. 249
Or. Ct. App.2011Background
- Adjacent parcels owned in Washington County; 2001 survey stakes used to mark what plaintiffs believed to be the line; hedge planted five to seven feet inside the stakes by plaintiffs due to line dispute; 2003 Michel walked onto defendants' roadway five to six feet beyond the stakes while looking at hedge; 2006 defendants built a fence on plaintiffs' side of the line; trial court dismissed both trespass claims and entered quiet title for plaintiffs.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether Michel's 2003 intrusion onto defendants' land constitutes trespass. | Michel argues the intrusion was trifling and not trespass. | Defendants contend any physical intrusion constitutes trespass regardless of magnitude. | Yes; Michel liable for trespass; dismissal of counterclaim reversed. |
Key Cases Cited
- Martin v. Reynolds Metals Co., 221 Or. 86 (1959) (trespass involves interference with exclusive possession; de minimis may apply only when intrusion not clearly invading possessory interest)
- Rhodes v. Harwood, 273 Or. 903 (1975) (discussion of damages presumption in trespass when damages apparent)
- Knight v. Nyara, 240 Or.App. 586 (2011) (addressed injunctive relief on trespass counterclaims; different issue from this case)